A guide to Mazda cars in Australia

Mazda is traditionally one of the top-performing vehicle brands in Canstar Blue’s annual review of new cars, and it’s easy to see why when you see what’s on offer. There are eight types of Mazda vehicles on sale here in Australia, with each emphasising drivability and comfort. In this review, Canstar Blue walks you through the complete Mazda range, showing what sort of features you can expect, and what you’ll need to pay.

Mazda2

The Mazda2 is possibly the manufacturer’s most well-known car, offering what it describes as ‘quick-witted agility’ and outstanding fuel economy. It comes as either a hatch or sedan, and is a great vehicle choice for anyone needing a compact car to zip around town. There are two models of Mazda2 sedan – the Neo and Maxx, while the hatch includes an additional model, the Genki.

Advertisement

Mazda2 features

Mazda2 Neo

Mazda2 Maxx

Mazda2 Genki

Engine

1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve

6-Speed SKYACTIV-MT manual or SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission

5.4l/100km (man) or 5.5l/100km (auto

1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve

DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV –G) with i-stop

5.2l/100km (man) or 4.9l/100km (auto)

Same engine specs as Mazda2 Maxx

Features

Push button engine start

15 inch steel wheels

Halogen headlamps

Tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel

Trip computer

Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio capability

Cruise control

Rear parking sensors

All Neo features, plus/or:

15 inch alloy wheels

7 inch touch screen display

Satellite navigation (optional)

Multi-function commander control

Radio Data System

Audio system with: 6 speakers

Reverse camera

Leather-wrapped: gear shift knob, handbrake handle and steering wheel

All Maxx features, plus/or:

16 inch alloy wheels

Chrome exhaust extension

Halogen front fog-lamps

LED daytime running lamps

LED headlamps

Headlamps auto on/off function

Active Driving Display

Satellite navigation

(Optional leather and white stitch interior)

Mazda2 price

A new Mazda2 Neo hatch or sedan will cost in the vicinity of $17,000, while the Maxx prices a little closer to the $20k mark. The Mazda2 Genki hatch is the most expensive, generally costing upward of $23,000 – even more if you purchase the bonus S pack with a luxury interior.

Mazda3

The Mazda3 is a sporty and stylish hatch or sedan which promises powerful performance while still achieving outstanding fuel economy. Of course, it’s not just about what’s under the hood, as the Mazda3 boasts a slew of features for comfort and safety, making it another great choice for busy city dwellers as well as families. There are four models of Mazda3, providing a range of options to suit your needs.

Mazda3 features

Mazda3 Neo

Mazda3 Maxx

Mazda3 Touring

Mazda3 SP25

Engine

2.0L I4 Petrol

6-speed man or auto

5.8L/100km (sedan man) or 5.7L/100km (sedan auto)

Same engine as specs as Mazda2 Neo

Same engine specs as Mazda2 Neo

2.5L I4 Petrol

6-speed man or auto

6.5/100km (sedan man) or 6.0L/100km (sedan auto)

Features

16 inch alloy wheels

Cloth seat trim

Cruise control

Smart City Brake Support –

Reverse parking sensors

Bluetooth

All Neo features, plus/or:

LED fog lamps

Leather-wrapped gear shift knob, handbrake handle and steering wheel

Satellite navigation

MZD Connect

Blind Spot Monitoring

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

All Maxx features, plus/or:

Auto on/off headlights

Dual zone climate control

Leather seat trim

Rain sensing wipers

Electric parking brake

All Touring features, plus/or:

Advanced keyless entry

Active Driving Display (GT & Astina only)

Traffic Sign Recognition(GT& Astina only)

Leather seat trim (GT only)

Lane keep assist (Astina only)

Mazda3 price

The Mazda3 Neo and Maxx vehicles generally cost between $24,000 and $28,000 depending on transmission type. The Touring is a touch more expensive, around the $30k mark. The Mazda3 SP25 is the priciest in this line, costing anywhere from $29,000 to $37,000, depending on whether you opt for the added GT or Astina features.

Mazda6

Unlike the Mazda2 and Mazda3, this car focuses a little less on family and city practicality, and a bit more on style, class and sportiness. There are four models in the Mazda6 range, with even the most basic of the range, the Mazda 6 Sport, boasting a powerful petrol engine and a wide host of features.

Mazda6 features

Mazda6 Sport

Mazda6 Touring

Mazda6 GT

Mazda6 Atenza

Engine & Transmission

2.5L I4 petrol

6-speed auto

6.6L/100km

2.5L I4 petrol or 2.2L l4 diesel

6-speed auto

6.6L/100km (petrol) or 5.4L/100 km (diesel)

Same engine specs as Mazda6 Touring

Same engine specs as Mazda6 Touring

Features

17 inch alloy wheels

Front fog-lamps

Rain-sensing wipers

Seat trim: Black cloth

Dual-zone: climate control

Cruise control

Electric parking brake

MZD Connect

DAB digital radio

Bluetooth

Satellite navigation

Hill Launch Assist

Reverse camera

i-ELOOP

Smart City Brake Support

All Sport features, plus/or:

Daytime running lamps (LED)

Seat trim: Black or Pure White leather

Premium Bose® audio system

All Touring features, plus/or:

19 inch alloy wheels

Power sliding and tilt glass sunroof

Heated seats

Active Driving Display

Auto dimming rear-view mirror

Adaptive Front-lighting System

Advanced keyless entry

Traffic Sign Recognition

All GT features, plus/or:

Radar cruise control

Adaptive LED Headlamps

Blind Spot Monitoring

Driver Attention Alert

Forward Obstruction Warning

Lane Departure Warning

Lane-keep Assist System

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Seat trim: Black or Pure White nappa leather

Mazda6 price

Prices in the Mazda6 range start at about $36,000 for the Mazda6 Sport. The Touring costs a bit more, between $40,000 and $45,000 depending on fuel type. The GT and Atenza models should set you back about $45k to $53k, again depending on the fuel type, with diesel models being the most expensive.

Mazda CX-3

The Mazda CX-3 is marketed as an SUV that can move you like nothing else. The Mazda CX-3 boasts several major awards as both a city and family-friendly car, combining enhanced capability with city-friendly size, all without compromising on connectivity and safety. There are four different Mazda CX-3 models – the Neo, Maxx, sTouring and Akari.

Mazda CX-3 features

CX-3 Neo

CX-3 Maxx

CX-3 sTouring

CX-3 Akari

Engine & Transmission

2.0L Petrol FWD

6-speed auto/man

6.3L/100km (man) or 6.1L/100km (auto)

2.0L Petrol or 1.5L Diesel

6-speed auto/man

AWD or FWD

4.7L/100km (diesel) or 6.1L/100 km (petrol auto FWD)

Same engine specs as Mazda CX-3 Maxx

5.1L/100km (diesel) or 6.1L/100km (petrol auto FWD)

2.0L Petrol or 1.5L Diesel

6-speed auto or man

AWD or FWD

5.1L/100km (diesel) or 6.1L/100km (petrol auto FWD)

Features

16 inch steel wheels

Halogen headlamps

Advanced keyless push-button engine start

Cruise control

Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio capability

Steering-wheel mounted audio controls

Air-conditioning

Rear parking sensors

All Neo features, plus/or:

16 inch alloy wheels

7-inch full colour touch screen display

Multi-function commander control

Reverse camera

Audio system with 6 speakers

Satellite navigation

Leather wrapped gear shift knob and steering wheel

All Maxx features, plus/or:

18 inch alloy wheels

Active Driving Display

Auto on/off headlamps

Front fog-lamps

Front wipers 2-speed with rain-sensing function

All sTouring features, plus/or:

Power sliding and tilt glass sunroof

Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring

High Beam Control

Lane Departure Warning

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Smart City Brake Support

Mazda CX-3 price

Prices will vary depending on the transmission and fuel type of the vehicle, as well as the model. The Mazda CX-3 Neo is the cheapest in the CX-3 line, costing around $23,000 to $25,000. The Maxx is priced around $26,000 to $30,000, the sTouring about $31,000 to $38,000, and the Akari, $37,000 to $42,000.

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is a well-rounded SUV – spacious enough for the family, yet with plenty of features to make driving safe and enjoyable. Once again, there are four models of CX-5, with each adding a little extra style and performance.

Mazda CX-5 features

CX-5 Maxx

CX-5 Maxx Sport

CX-5 GT

CX-5 Akera

Engine & Transmission

2.0L or 2.5L petrol

6-speed auto or manual

FWD or AWD

6.6L/100km or 7.5L/100km (2.5L engine)

2.0L/2.5L petrol or 2.2L diesel

FWD or AWD

6-speed auto

6.6L/100km (petrol); 5.7L/100km (diesel)

2.5L petrol or 2.2L diesel

6-speed auto AWD

7.4L/100km (petrol); 5.7L/100km (diesel)

Same engine specs as Mazda CX-5 GT

Features

17 inch steel wheels

Advanced keyless push-button engine start

Cruise control

Electric parking brake

7-inch full colour touch screen display

Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio capability

Blind Spot Monitoring

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Reverse camera

Smart City Brake Support

All Maxx features, plus/or:

17 inch alloy wheels

Front fog-lamps

Auto on/off headlamps

Front wipers 2-speed with rain-sensing function

Dual-zone climate control

Leather wrapped gear shift knob and steering wheel

Audio system with 6 speakers

Satellite navigation

All Maxx Sport features, plus/or:

19 inch alloy wheels

Adaptive Front-lighting System

Front fog-lamps

Power sliding and tilt glass sunroof

Leather seat trim

Power adjustable driver and front passenger seat with heating function

2-position memory function for driver’s seat

Premium Bose 231 watt amplifier with 9 speakers

Front and rear parking sensors

Smart City Brake Support

All GT features, plus/or:

Adaptive LED Headlamps

Driver Attention Alert

Forward Obstruction Warning

Lane Departure Warning

Lane-keep Assist System

Radar Cruise Control

Side monitor

Smart Brake Support

Mazda CX-5 price

As mentioned, the price of a vehicle will depend on a number of factors. This includes the fuel and transmission type, as well as when and where you buy. Generally speaking, the Mazda CX-5 Maxx starts at the lowest price, between $31,000 and $36,000. The Maxx sport is a decent step-up in price, costing $37,000 to $42,000. The GT and Akera models are fairly similar in price, around $48,000 to $55,000.

Mazda CX-9

The CX-9 is Mazda’s ultimate family SUV. It has 7 seats and is the first Mazda vehicle to boast the ‘breakthrough’ SKYACTIV-G 2.5T turbocharged petrol engine. It also comes standard with the latest connectivity and safety features, including an integrated Bluetooth system and Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE monitoring. The four models of Mazda CX-9 are the Sport, Touring, GT and Azami.

Mazda CX-9 features

CX-9 Sport

CX-9 Touring

CX-9 GT

CX-9 Azami

Engine & Transmission

2.5L Turbo I4 Petrol FWD or AWD

6-speed automatic

8.4L/100km (FWD); 8.8L/100km (AWD)

Same engine specs as Mazda CX-9 Sport

Same engine specs as Mazda CX-9 Sport

Same engine specs as Mazda CX-9 Sport

Features

18 inch alloy wheels

Headlamps (LED)

Three-zone climate control with rear control and vents

Seat trim: Black cloth

MZD Connect

Satellite Navigation

Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (ABSM)

Smart City Brake Support

All Sport features, plus/or:

18 inch alloy wheels

Front fog-lamps

Headlamps auto on/off function

Rain-sensing wipers

Power adjust driver & passenger seat

Seat trim: Black leather

Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring Smart City Brake Support

All Touring features, plus/or:

20 inch alloy wheels

Power sliding and tilt glass sunroof

Remote operated power tailgate

Active Driving Display

Seat trim: Black or Natural Stone Leather

Premium Bose audio system

Parking sensors

Smart City Brake Support

All GT features, plus/or:

20 inch alloy wheels

Daytime running lamps

Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function

Adaptive LED Headlamps

Driver Attention Alert

Lane Keep-assist System

Lane Departure Warning

Smart Brake Support

Mazda CX-9 price:

You shouldn’t expect a family SUV with as many features as the CX-9 to come cheap. Prices for the Mazda CX-9 sport (FWD) start at about $46k. The CX-9 Touring costs about $53k, the GT, $62k, and the Azami, $65k. If you prefer an AWD, expect to pay approximately $5,000 extra on each of the mentioned prices.

Mazda MX-5

Mazda brazenly labels its MX-5 as the ‘world’s favourite sports car’, winning the world car of the year award in 2016. The Mazda MX-5 certainly looks the part, with its two-seats, retractable roof, LED headlights and green tinted windows, but this sports car doesn’t skimp on the interior features either. It has premium Bose speakers, internet-integrated radio, 7” colour touch-screen display and a type pressure monitoring system.

There are two models of Mazda MX-5 – the Roadster and the RF, though we wouldn’t be doing these vehicles justice by listing their features here. Customers may also upgrade to the Roadster GT and RF GT, which add leather heated seats, keyless entry and rain-sensing wipers.

Mazda MX-5 price

The Mazda MX-5 is more affordable than you might expect. The Mazda MX-5 Roadster costs around $38,000, while the RF prices around $42k. Upgrading to the GT versions will cost an additional two to five grand.

Mazda BT-50

Most vehicle manufacturers include at least one work-ute in their vehicle range. For Mazda, that’s the BT-50. The six main models of BT-50 are: The Hi-Rider, XT, XTR, GT, XT Hi-Rider and XTR Hi-Rider. That said, there are technically dozens of versions of BT-50, as each of these vehicles are available as both 4×2 and 4×4, and with either a single, freestyle or dual cab.

Mazda BT-50 features vary across each of the models, as well as with the drive type and cab size, making it difficult to list all the possible features. As a standard however, Mazda BT-50’s will usually include: Trip computer, cruise control, hands-free Bluetooth and steering-wheel audio controls. The BT-50 range also boasts a powerful engine with the choice of either a 2.2L or 3.2L intercooled turbo diesel in either auto or manual transmission.

Mazda BT-50 price

There are a few key things to note when you’re in the market for a new ute:

4x4s are more expensive than 4x2s

Dual cabs are the most expensive, followed by freestyle (extra) cab vehicles. Single cab utes are the cheapest

Automatic transmission vehicles are cheaper than manual vehicles

A Mazda BT-50 single cab will cost between $26,000 and $30,000, while freestyle cab Mazda’s price anywhere from $32,000 to $45,000. The dual cab BT-50s can cost anything from $35,000 to $50,000.

To our knowledge, all information in articles on the Canstar Blue website was correct at the time of publication. This information may have changed over time. Refer to the product fact sheet (or relevant similar documentation) before making any purchase decision. Canstar Blue's website terms and conditions apply.